Firing of Gay Staffer Leads 10 to Quit in Support

Tension over the Boy Scouts of America’s anti-gay policy reached the Sacramento region this week after 10 members of an area summer camp staff walked out in response to the firing of a gay staff member.

Local BSA officials said the young man was fired not because he is gay, but because he failed to heed repeated requests to dress appropriately for camp. Specifically at issue were his painted fingernails and earring, although one senior official said there were also complaints about his mannerisms and behavior.

Tim Griffin, a 22-year-old Eagle Scout, said he was aghast at being fired Friday morning after eight years on the seasonal staff at Camp Winton in Amador County.

“I definitely think that the reaffirmation of the anti-gay policy played a role in my termination,” Griffin said. The BSA announced last week that it was keeping its policy banning gays.